GO WILHD Ministries exists to honor God by making disciples who live out of a transformed heart, learn to apply God's Word consistently, love others unconditionally, and lead those around them to follow Christ.


On the Wilhdside

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Vision is an essential aptitude of every leader. "Do you see what I see?" goes the old Christmas carol. Whether you are a parent, pastor, or discipler, you must be able to see what others cannot. Otherwise, you are not leading. Whether it's seeing potential in a person, verbalizing the preferred future of your family or church, or developing a new ministry or business, you must be able to see (and articulate) what others cannot.

Nehemiah, the Visioncaster
The book of Nehemiah is all about a man with a vision who through prayer, planning, persistence, leadership, and wisdom brought his God-given dream into reality. Nehemiah was burdened that the walls of Jerusalem had not been rebuilt. He fasted and prayed about it and then God gave him an opportunity to share his vision with the king. The king literally bought into Nehemiah's vision and became a financial supporter, providing what he needed for the project. However, at that point in the story, Nehemiah had not talked to the people who actually lived in and around Jerusalem. What if they told him things were fine. Don't change anything. Leave us alone. What would have happened to his dream then? Nehemiah was wise and surveyed the walls at night. He then put together his plan and shared his vision with the people. He said,"You see the situation we are in; that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned with fire. Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me" (Nehemiah 2:17-18). The people rallied around the vision and with God's help they accomplished the impossible in only 52 days!

The Characteristics of Vision
Vision is the best motivator. Guilt trips, nagging, and fear work to some degree but they all come at too high a price. Vision on the other hand catches a person up in something that is bigger than they are and shows them how the accomplished vision benefits them as well.

Vision is also a unifier. That's why it is said that when soldiers aren't fighting the enemy they are fighting each other. The same could be said of employees, church members, and children. Where there is a lack of vision the people perish, the Bible says. Vision gets everybody looking the same direction and focuses on how they can work together to get the job done.

Vision requires faith, perseverance, and sacrifice. In other words, a person must submit him or herself to doing what it takes to carry out the vision. You will have to change. You will have to learn new things and grow. You will have to give up something you value. You will have to push through pain, disillusionment, and maybe even depression. Vision accomplishment always costs something but in the end, the reward of achievement makes it worth it.

Vision requires focus. Andy Stanley in his book, Visioneering says, "My observation is that people without clear vision are easily distracted." Being easily distracted means you will most likely not achieve your vision. Narrow things down to what is truly important. You cannot do everything. Remember the hard thing will not be choosing between bad and good but between good and best.

Vision Starters

• What is your vision? What was God called you to do? Life is too short not to find out.
• What are you doing to do with your vision?
• What purpose does it serve? What problem does it solve?
• Who does God want you to share your vision with?
• What is the timing of your vision? How can you prepare for it in order to be ready?
• What do you need to research about your vision?

Vision Starts at Home
"Moms, Dads," Andy Stanley says, "we are the premier visioncasters. We must paint a vividly clear picture in the minds and hearts of our children of what they can become in their character, conduct, and even their careers. We must pour into their sponge-like souls a vision of what they could accomplish with their lives. After all, we see their potential far better than they do. We must ask God to give us a clear vision for our children and cast it every opportunity we get" (Visioneering, p. 114). I say, "Amen to that!" Speak into your child's heart words of life, words of vision that will resonate in their spirit as they discover who God has called them to be. I think that is what it means to "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).